Matt Smith, a senior regional planner with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, went before selectmen Tuesday with the first phase of an economic development study intended to help the town strengthen its commercial base.

Using market analysis from Community Opportunities Group, Smith identified demographics and economic trends of the town, which now relies on a tax base that is 95.5 percent residential.

With one job in town for every three residents, Smith said Scituate is largely exporting its workforce, making the switch to commercial difficult.

“But you have to build on your strengths, and build on what you have and look for strategic opportunities,” he said, adding that the commercial base could grow by 1 or 2 percent with some initiatives taken during the next few years.

Workers in Scituate on average make about $38,000 annually – compared to the state average of $60,000 – suggesting a strong base of retail and restaurant employees. Smith said there is enough demand for the town to further develop such industries.

“Eighty percent of residents said they’d like to see business expanded … in lifestyle categories, like hotels and inns,” Smith said, speaking of a town-wide questionnaire.

With tourism driving business to local retailers and restaurants, particularly in Scituate Harbor, Smith suggested the town maximize its waterfront access with recreational activities like paddle board, kayak and boat rentals.

“Find ways to extend the shoulder seasons, like fall and spring,” he said, noting that the town has made investments in the pier and maritime center.

While the waterfront location is an advantage, Smith said it also poses some challenges, including inaccessibility from the highway and a limited market for attracting large retailers.

“Half your market area is the ocean, and there aren’t a lot of people living in the ocean,” he said. “Big retailers are looking to be near the highway.”

The town has about 255 “easily developable acres,” but they’re scattered and may not be available for commercial use, Smith said.

The town will also see a demand for smaller, less expensive housing units near the commuter rail, such as townhouses, as household sizes shrink during the next few years.

The findings will be translated into recommendations to be presented at a public hearing later this spring.